Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1887-09-24
JOHN AINSWORTH'S WIFE.
BY MANDA L. CROKER.

BY MANDA L. CROKER.
She stood in the doorway of the
cottage, intently watching a man busy
with his scythe over the way. The
mower was John Ainsworth, and she
was his wife. There was look on her
face which did not augur we'll for her
peace of mind nor that of her husband,
either, if they meant to love each
other.
She was neatly dressed; she always
made it a point to look well, Though
precious little good came of it," she
often said to her mirror, "only John
Ainsworth's wife, after all the pains
taking"
The roses bloomed on the lattice
John trained them there because she
loved them-but little she cared for
their fragrant beauty just then. The
sweet breath of the clover came to her
on the wind, but even that only re-
minded her, unpleasantly, that she was
only farmers wife.
II wish I had married Pierce Sher-
wood" she said, vehemently, turning
to go in. "He would have looked
higher than John did, and then he had
money and a high social standing.
Dear! I was fool to mistake love in
q cottage for heavenly, care-free
realm. It's perfect prison-house
from whose bonds cannot escape"
Here the servant appeared, cutting
short the tangled soliloquy by saying:
"Please, mum, an ye said it was yer
self phat wud carry the lunch to yer
husband. It's reddy, it is, mum, an
it's full noine O. the clock, too, as early
as it seems"
Bring it here, then. Yes. said
would take it to John, but I scarcely
can tell what prompted me to venture
out in this weather."
"W'y the foine mornin', mum, to be
shure. If Oh only had the toim meself
Old do that same, an be glad O. the
chance. Ye ought to be deloighted,
mum, wild the foin mornin', the nice
bunch, an the guide husband ye hev."
II suppose I ought, Maggie, but don't
preach. I cannot bear it kindly"
"An' it's preachin' is it? Wy, mum,
Oh was only sayin'-"
"Oh! 1 know you meant it all right,
Maggie, and doubtless it is; but give
me the luncheon"
IVAN wud be afther supposin' she
wuz tired ov this illoigant cottage, an
its owner too. Pom me sowl, I b'lave
she don't love her mon, come to think
nj. Marciful hivins pity the loikes
O. her if that's it" And Margaret
O'Rooney went back to her potting and
panning for the MONDAY farmers din
ner.
John Ainsworth moved to the end OF
the lot, and turned to see his wife com.
ing. "I'll sit down in the shade of this
elm by the spring and wait for Minnie;
seems to me, " he added slowly, as he
noted the tagging step and weary air
of his wife, Seems to me Minnie isn't
well. This hot weather is telling on
her fear. wish, for her sake, I was
rich, and then she wouldn't Le obliged
to"
Here's your lunch john" handing
him the basket and throwing herself on
the grass in the friendly shadows.
II fear you are not we'll, Minnie, /" he
said, following up the bent of his
thoughts.
20, yes am; but this-weather is
terribly trying on ones spirits. some
how" she answered, shutting her eyes
and leaning her head against the elm,
with sigh.
John looked at her intently; he was
thinking. "How would you like to go
to Hanover on visit, Minnie? ?"
Hanover, that was whereof Pierce Sher-
wood lived, and she hardly wanted to
see him just now. Could she 60 back
to Hanover, and see his wife in costly
laces and diamonds, queening it in the
best social circles? "Oh DEAR" and
she opened her eyes slowly, to meet the
solicitous questioning gaze of John, re-
gard;ng her with curious expression.